The Karel Fellowship has been around since 2012. Here’s a quick look at what some of our past Fellows have been up to!

2024 Fellows

Angelina Gamba is a senior at the University of Florida studying public relations with a minor in sociology. Angelina spent her summer interning at Human Rights Watch, a leading international nonprofit organization that conducts research and advocacy on human rights. Fighting inequality and inequity is very important to Angelina and something she plans to continue to work on. Angelina’s passions include criminal justice, prison reform, racial equality, reproductive rights, and social justice.


Chhavi Mishra is a rising senior at Franklin and Marshall majoring in Government and International Studies. Chhavi spent her summer interning at Greenpeace, a nonprofit whose mission is to use non-violent creative action to pave the way toward a greener and more peaceful world. Chhavi serve as a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion officer for the Franklin and Marshall student government which has enabled her to actively promote inclusivity and social progress on campus.


Emma Sanchez is a senior at the University of Florida in Gainesville majoring in Political Science and minoring in Women’s Studies. Emma spent her summer interning at Mary’s Center, a community health center serving nearly 60,000 people of all ages, incomes, and backgrounds in the greater Washington, DC metro area in areas of health care, education, and social services. Emma serves as the Electoral Coordinator for the UF College Democrats and the Fundraising and Events Committee Chair for the UF Planned Parenthood Generation Action. Emma serves as a campus resource and advocate for the protection of reproductive health in the state of Florida. Additionally, Emma loves volunteering for organizations like HeadCount, getting concert goes registered to vote, and Reverb, to educate the public on the effects of Climate Change and what they can do to help.


Evelin Ortiz-Muñoz is a rising junior at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, studying public policy with minors in journalism and business administration. Evelin spent her summer interning Families USA, a leading nonprofit and national voice for health care consumers that is dedicated to the achievement of high-quality, affordable health care and improved health for all. Originally from Siler City, North Carolina, Evelin grew up in a rural small town with a large Hispanic and immigrant population. Witnessing the effects of the town’s policies and the local chicken plant’s corporate interests on the immigrant community has inspired her to further study the intersectionality of strategic political framing, public communications, and business models.


Isabella Marte is a rising junior at George Washington University working towards a B.A. in Political Communications. Isabella spent her summer interning at Aspen Institute’s College Excellence Program, a nonprofit that aims to advance higher education practices and leadership that improves student learning, completion, and employment after college. Isabella has always been captivated by the power of words, and their ability to express emotions, ideas, and stories. She has combined this interest to help create real-world action in the areas of housing inequality and immigration, the social justice issues she is most passionate about.


Jaylen Adams is a rising junior at Columbia University studying Political Science and Creative Writing as a Columbia Undergraduate Kluge Scholar. Jaylen spent her summer interning at the National League of Cities, a nonpartisan organization dedicated to being a resource and advocate for the nation’s cities and their leaders. Jaylen finds interest in working in a new field to expand what her definition of social change can look like.


Pristine Thai is a rising junior studying political science and public relations (soon to be changed to journalism) at the University of Florida. Pristine spent the summer interning at the Center for Community Progress, the only national nonprofit dedicated to comprehensively tackling vacant properties. Pristine is an outspoken advocate for racial justice and decolonization, women’s rights, reproductive freedom, and LGBTQ rights. Pristine is passionate about learning about policies regarding public transportation, mixed-use zoning, labor unions, and minimum wage.


Normand Bayigamba is a rising senior at George Washington University studying economics and public policy. Normand spent his summer interning at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, a leading national philanthropy dedicated to taking bold leaps to transform health in our lifetime. Normand has a desire to be an active member of his community and to to create equity for underserved communities.


2023 Fellows

Alexis Marin is a rising senior at Wellesley College, studying Political Science and Japanese. She spent her summer interning at the National League of Cities, a nonpartisan organization dedicated to being a resource and advocate for the nation’s cities and their leaders. Serving as Program director of Boston’s Chinatown After School Program, Alexis has experience working with children in educational settings, specifically with children in marginalized communities and values the importance of building individual connections and teaching social emotional skills.


Aliyana Young is a rising senior studying Political Science and Africana Studies at Wellesley College. Aliyana spent her summer interning at the Center for Community Progress, the only national nonprofit dedicated to comprehensively tackling vacant properties. Aliyana is passionate about promoting financial equity and expanding economic resources for disproportionately low-income/resource communities (housing, public assistance programs, etc.), criminal justice and abolitionism (prison & detention facilities), racial justice, and immigrant rights.


Darrel Creary is a rising junior at the University of Miami studying Broadcast Journalism and Political Science with passions in social justice, foreign affairs, and environmental policy. Darrel spent his summer interning at Greenpeace, a nonprofit whose mission is to use non-violent creative action to pave the way toward a greener and more peaceful world. Darrell served as an executive producer and regular on-air talent for three of the nine available UMTV, the campuses media organization, shows. His experience here has allowed him to report on major local and national events, creating video stories on things he believes need to be covered.


Katie-Grace Ibarra is a rising junior at the University of Texas at Austin, studying Plan ll and Public Relations. Katie-Grace spent her summer interning at Aspen Institute’s College Excellence Program, a nonprofit that aims to advance higher education practices and leadership that improves student learning, completion, and employment after college. Katie-Grace has always been interested in inequality in the school system and high poverty areas. Katie-Grace continues to pursue learning about these areas of interest and using her strategic communication skills to advocate and better the communities she is a part of.


Marisol Rivera-Esquivias is a rising senior at Franklin & Marshall College double majoring in Government and Spanish with a concentration in Latin American Studies. Marisol spent her summer interning with Mary’s Center, a community health center serving nearly 60,000 people of all ages, incomes, and backgrounds in the greater Washington, DC metro area in areas of health care, education, and social services. As the daughter of Mexican migrant farmworkers, Marisol is passionate about immigration policy reform and labor rights.  As a legal intern, Marisol has interpreted legal consultations and campaigned for drivers’ licenses for undocumented immigrants.


Nancy Barrera is a rising senior at Northwestern University, studying political science. Nancy spent her summer interning at the National Wildlife Federation, a nonprofit whose mission is to unite Americans from all walks of life in giving wildlife a voice. Nancy is passionate about civic engagement and aiding missions centered around equity initiatives. Over her academic career, Nancy has grown increasingly interested in the intersectionality of politics, policy, and law with human and civil rights.


Osman Moradel is a rising junior at the University of Texas at Austin studying Public Relations with a minor in Government as a member of the Moody College of Communications Honors Program. Osman spent his summer interning Families USA, a leading nonprofit and national voice for health care consumers that is dedicated to the achievement of high-quality, affordable health care and improved health for all. Osman is interested in the intersectionality of government and healthcare equity and is passionate about making positive, lasting changes for the communities he cares most about.


Sabrina Briceno is a rising senior at the University of Florida, pursuing dual degrees in political science and public relations. Sabrina spent her summer interning at Human Rights Watch, a leading international nonprofit organization that conducts research and advocacy on human rights. As a first-generation immigrant from Venezuela, Sabrina has always felt closely connected to social justice. Especially when it comes to marginalized communities, Sabrina feels like her personal experiences curated her passions for advocacy in reproductive and immigrant spaces.


2022 Fellows

Andrea Ronquillo Mendez (She/Her/Hers) is a junior at Wellesley College majoring in Political Science. She spent her summer interning at the Food Recovery Network,  a student movement fighting food waste and working to end hunger in America. Previously, Andrea collaborated with Students Demand Action and led the Everytown for Gun Safety Summer Leadership Academy in South Los Angeles. She provided students with the skills necessary to advocate for the reduction of gun violence in their communities. Andrea is now a digital assistant at Burness Communications!


Falisha Hola (She/Her/Hers) is a senior and a Rainier Scholar at the University of Rochester, studying Political Science and Anthropology. She spent the summer interning at the National Wildlife Federation, a nonprofit whose mission is to unite Americans from all walks of life in giving wildlife a voice.

As a Pasifika Woman with roots in Tonga, she is passionate about climate change and equipping island nations with the tools they need to survive in the event of natural disasters.


Fatma ElRefaei (She/Her/Hers) is a junior at Franklin & Marshall College, majoring in government and environmental studies. She spent the summer interning at Greenpeace, a nonprofit whose mission is to use non-violent creative action to pave the way toward a greener and more peaceful world. Fatma is now a communications intern at VitalMetricss, an environmental consultancy that helps Fortune 500 companies, governments, and UNDP programs see their environmental impacts and advance their sustainability initiatives.


Kaytlin Brown (She/Her/Hers) is a junior at Morgan State University, majoring in strategic communications. She spent the summer interning at the National League of Cities, a nonpartisan organization dedicated to being a resource and advocate for the nation’s cities and their leaders. In addition to being a full-time student, she is a mother to a beautiful seven-year-old boy named Kayden. Her experience raising a young African American man in today’s society has influenced her to want to build a better future for him and for African American men.


Maria (Mary) Sailale (She/Her/Hers) is a senior and a Jack Kent Cooke Scholar at the University of Texas at Austin, majoring in international relations and global studies with a minor in philosophy. She spent the summer interning at the Aspen Institute’s College Excellence Program, a nonprofit that aims to advance higher education practices and leadership that improves student learning, completion, and employment after college. Maria is a death penalty defense investigator and mitigation specialist intern at the Texas Office of Capital and Forensic Writs.


Mateo Latorraca Rodrigo (He/Him/His) is a senior and a Posse Miami Scholar at Franklin & Marshall College, studying Business Development and Government Relations. He spent the summer interning at the Milken Institute for Advancing the American Dream, a nonprofit supporting people in achieving the American Dream through good health, good education, and an economic system that works for all.


Millena Prather (She/Her/Hers) is a senior at the University of Maryland Baltimore County at the Universities at Shady Grove, majoring in social work and psychology. She spent the summer interning at Mary’s Center, a community health center serving nearly 60,000 people of all ages, incomes, and backgrounds in the greater Washington, DC metro area in areas of health care, education, and social services. Millena is currently a social work intern at Winter Growth Inc., an organization that empowers seniors and adults with disabilities to live their best lives.


2021 Fellows

Qing Yu Chen (She/Her/Hers) graduated from Columbia University as a Jack Kent Cooke Scholar, with a Bachelors in political science. She spent the summer intending at Human Rights Watch, a leading international nonprofit organization that conducts research and advocacy on human rights. Qing Yu is now a paralegal specialist at the Federal Trade Commission!


A woman wearing a black blazer with a campus backdrop smiling at the camera.

Kassandra Luis (She/Her/Hers) graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelors in advertising and business administration. She spent the summer interning at Human Rights Watch, a leading international nonprofit organization that is dedicated to research and advocacy on human rights. Kassandra is now a sales management associate at Frito Lay!


Christian Donaldson (She/Her/Hers) is a Jack Kent Cooke Scholar at the University of North Carolina-Asheville, studying Anthropology and Mathematics. She spent the summer interning at the National League of Cities, a nonpartisan organization dedicated to being a resource and advocate for the nation’s cities and their leaders.


Lizbeth Olarte (She/Her/Hers) is a student at Montgomery College, studying Business. She spent the summer interning at the National League of Cities, a nonpartisan organization dedicated to being a resource and advocate for the nation’s cities and their leaders. Lizbeth is currently a student at American University’s Kogod School of Business.


Katherine Marin (She/Her/Hers) is a senior at the University of Florida, majoring in English Literature. She spent the summer interning at the National Wildlife Federation, a nonprofit whose mission is to unite Americans from all walks of life in giving wildlife a voice. She is now an intern at the ACLU!


Roger Avila-Vidal (He/Him/His) graduated from Franklin & Marshall College with a Bachelors in International Studies and Sociology with a minor in French. He spent the summer interning at Spitfire Strategies, a public relations firm that helps nonprofits and foundations make positive change happen. Roger is now a seventh-grade English language learner interventionist at KIPP Antioch College Prep Middle School in Antioch, Tennessee.


2020 Fellows

Fatimah Abu-Sbeitan graduated from the University of Florida (UF) with a Bachelors in public relations. She spent the summer interning at Families USA, a leading nonprofit and national voice for health care consumers that is dedicated to the achievement of high-quality, affordable health care and improved health for all. Fatimah is now working as part of the frank social media team and the National Press Photographers Association!


Aisha Adekunle is a Jack Kent Cooke Scholar, who graduated from Yale University with a Bachelors in political science. She spent the summer interning at Families USA, a leading nonprofit and national voice for healthcare consumers that is dedicated to the achievement of high-quality, affordable health care and improved health for all. Aisha is currently a student at Yale Law School.


Noura Al-Rajhi graduated from the University of Florida (UF) with a Bachelors in public relations and sustainability. She spent the summer interning at the National Wildlife Federation, a nonprofit whose mission is to unite Americans from all walks of life in giving wildlife a voice. Noura is now an assistant account executive at OutsidePR!


Jenny Ha is a Jack Kent Cooke scholar studying sociology at the University of Southern California (USC). She spent the summer interning at the National League of Cities, a nonpartisan organization dedicated to being a resource and advocate for the nation’s cities and their leaders. Jenny is now a social impact research coordinator at Rocket Social Impact.


María Silva is a student at Hood College studying economics with a concentration in political economy and global studies.  She spent the summer interning at the National League of Cities, a nonpartisan organization dedicated to being a resource and advocate for the nation’s cities and their leaders. María is now a canopy intern for RAICES! 


Ashani Williams is a student at Franklin & Marshall College (F&M) majoring in government and Africana studies. She spent the summer interning at Spitfire Strategies, a public relations firm that helps nonprofits and foundations make positive change happen. Ashani is a Diversity Fellow at FleishmanHillard.


2019 Fellows

Naomi Cruz graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelors in public relations.  She spent her summer as a Fellow interning for the National Wildlife Federation, a nonprofit whose mission is to unite Americans from all walks of life in giving wildlife a voice. Naomi is now the lead COVID-19 specialist at KIPP Texas Public Schools!


Z Estimé is a student at Mount Holyoke College, studying anthropology. For their fellowship, Key was matched with Martha’s Table, a nonprofit that is dedicated to supporting children, families, and communities by increasing access to quality education programs, healthy food, and family support. They are now the South Berkshire Community Health Coalition (SBCHC) Program Coordinator for the Railroad Street Youth Project!


Maryam Iftikhar graduated from Hood College, with a Bachelors in global studies. She spent her summer interning for Families USA, a nonprofit that is dedicated to ensuring high-quality, affordable health care and improved health for all.


Camryn Jackson graduated from Mercer University with a Bachelors in journalism and a minor in sociology. For her Fellowship, Camryn interned at Mary’s Center, a nonprofit that provides medical, social, and education services to families in the greater Washington D.C. area. She is now a human resources specialist at Ideas United!


Cindy Jara graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelors in public relations and criminology. She spent her summer interning for the Children’s Defense Fund, an organization that is dedicated to making sure every child gets what they need to thrive and reach their full potential. Cindy is now a digital communications manager at Michelle Obama’s Reach Higher Initiative at the Common App!


Taina Perez graduated from Franklin and Marshall  College with a Bachelors in environmental studies. For her Fellowship, she interned at The Communications Network, a network of foundation and nonprofit leaders who share ideas, evidence, and lessons about how smart communications improve lives. Taina is now pursuing a Masters degree in environmental management at the Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies!


Patricia Sanchez-Ramirez graduated from Lenoir-Rhyne University with Bachelors in sociology and a minor in computer science. She spent her summer as a Karel Fellow interning for Living Cities, a philanthropic collaborative of 22 of the world’s largest foundations and financial institutions working to improve the economic well-being of low-income people in cities. Patricia is now pursuing a Ph.D. in sociology at North Carolina State University!


Paige Swanson graduated from Yale University with a Bachelors in political science. For her Fellowship, she was matched with Spitfire Strategies, a public relations firm that helps nonprofits and foundations make positive change happen. Paige is now at Sciences Po Paris pursuing her Masters in Communications, Media, and Creative Industries!


2018 Fellows

Tarek Deida graduated from Columbia University with a Bachelors in American history. He spent his time as a Karel Fellow interning for Living Cities, a philanthropic collaborative of 22 of the world’s largest foundations and financial institutions working to improve the economic well-being of low-income people in cities. Tarek is now an associate at INDABA CAPITAL MANAGEMENT LLC!


Lauryn Fanguen graduated from the University of Maryland with a Bachelors in political science. For her Fellowship, Lauryn was matched with Spitfire Strategies, a public relations firm that helps nonprofits and foundations make positive change happen. She is now a federal advocacy communications manager at the Planned Parenthood Federation of America!


Tamara Gomez-Ortigoza graduated from Dartmouth College with Bachelors in economics and public policy. She spent her summer as a Karel Fellow interning for Families USA, a leading nonprofit and national voice for health care consumers that is dedicated to the achievement of high-quality, affordable health care and improved health for all. She is now an associate at Boston Consulting Group!


David Guirgis graduated from Northwestern University with a Bachelors in social policy and a minor in critical theory. For his Fellowship, David was matched with the International Partnership for Microbicides, a group of nonprofit enterprises that is dedicated to providing women with affordable, self-initiated HIV-prevention strategies they can use to protect their own health. David is now a communications manager and lead writer at New Deal Strategies!


Dayna Hood graduated from Trinity Washington University with a Bachelors in journalism and media studies. She spent her summer as a Karel Fellow interning for the Afterschool Alliance, an organization dedicated to raising awareness of the importance of afterschool programs. Dayna now heads up her own creative agency based out of Philadelphia!


Inaya Payne-Wilks graduated from Williams College with a Bachelors in statistics. For her Fellowship, Inaya interned at Trust for America’s Health, a nonprofit dedicated to saving lives by protecting the health of every community and working to make disease prevention a national priority. The semester after her Fellowship, Inaya studied abroad in Japan!


Lia Tavarez graduated from Franklin and Marshall College with a Bachelors in government and a minor in Arabic. She spent her summer as a Fellow interning for Urban Alliance, a nonprofit that empowers under-resourced youth to aspire, work, and succeed through paid internships, formal training, and mentorship. Lia is now a Fulbright Research Award Grantee to Peru!


Tamarra Thal graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelors in public relations. For her Fellowship, she interned at the Truth Initiative, a nonprofit dedicated to making tobacco use a thing of the past. Tamarra is now working in internal communications at IBM!


2016 Fellows

Jeanette Alcaraz graduated from the University of Arizona with a Bachelors in business management. Jeanette spent her summer as a Karel Fellow interning with GreenLatinos, a nonprofit that advocates for environmental issues that significantly affect the health and welfare of the Latino community. She is now a human resources recruiter at Clinica de La Raza!


Adrian Cibran graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelors in public relations with an outside concentration in business administration and a minor in Spanish. He spent his summer as a Karel Fellow interning at Amnesty International USA, whose mission is to unite people from all over the world using research, action, and advocacy. Adrian is now a notary public & loan signing agent.


Karen Franco graduated from Princeton University with a Bachelors in politics. For her Fellowship, Karen was matched with the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, an advocacy organization working to reduce tobacco use and its deadly consequences around the world. Karen is now a senior account executive at Chandler Chicco Agency!


Luisa Guaracao graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelors in public relations and Portuguese. She spent her summer as a Fellow interning at The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, a coalition dedicated to promoting and protecting the civil and human rights of all people in the United States. Luisa is now a social impact associate manager at Instacart!


Sean Mock graduated from Macalester College with a Bachelors in political science. For his Fellowship, Sean was matched with The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, a nonpartisan research and policy institute that pursues federal and state policies designed to both reduce poverty and restore fiscal responsibility. Sean is now an associate project manager at the Neighborhood Developers!


Emmanuel Oyalabu graduated from Franklin & Marshall College with a Bachelors in public health. He spent his summer as a Karel Fellow interning with the World Wildlife Fund, a global nonprofit, working to conserve nature and reduce the most pressing threats to the diversity of life on earth. Emmanuel is a medical student at
the Noorda College of Osteopathic Medicine!


Jackie Salg graduated from Franklin and Marshall College with a Bachelors in American studies. For her Fellowship, Jackie was matched with Martha’s Table, a nonprofit whose mission is to build a better future through healthy food, affordable clothing, and quality education. Jackie now works at Proctor and Gamble!


Kimberly Sanford graduated from Harvard College with a degree in women’s studies and a minor in government. She spent her summer as a Karel Fellow interning at the Natural Resources Defense Council, a nonprofit whose mission is to safeguard the earth – its people, its plants and animals, and the natural system on which all life depends. Kimberly is now a high school teacher at Greenwood High School!


Gislene Tasayco graduated from Trinity Washington with a Bachelors in political science and government. For her fellowship, Gislene was matched with the Polaris Project, a nonprofit whose goal is to eradicate modern slavery by systemically disrupting the human trafficking networks. Gislene is now a social scientist at the American Institutes for Research. 


2015 Fellows

Nergis Lemus

Nergis Lemus graduated from Trinity Washington with a Bachelors in political science and government. Nergis spent her summer as a Karel Fellow working for the Special Olympics DC, whose mission is to provide year-round sports training in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. She now works for the DC Government as the assistant to the director of Forensic Science!


Milliecia Lacy

Milliecia Lacy graduated from Macalester College with a Bachelors in international studies and political science. Milliecia spent her summer as a Karel Fellow working for the Communications Network. The Communications Network is a nonprofit organization comprised of social sector leaders who share the belief that smart strategic communications has the power to transform society and improve lives. Milliecia is now pursuing a medical degree from the Harvard Extension Program!


Kindra Nicol

Kindra Nicol graduated from Trinity Washington University with a Bachelors in international business. Kindra spent her summer as a Karel Fellow working with Save the Children Action Network. Save the Children is a Washington, DC-based nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring that every child has the best chance for success. Kindra is now a program outreach and engagement associate at the Children’s Defense Fund!


Betzaida Nolasco

Betzaida Nolasco graduated from the University of Maryland with a double major in criminology & criminal justice and romance languages. Betzaida spent her summer as a Karel Fellow working for DC Vote. Founded in 1998, DC Vote is a national citizen engagement and advocacy organization dedicated to strengthening democracy and securing equality for all in the District of Columbia. Betzaida is now a human resources payroll assistant at the University of Maryland!


Marcia Puig-Lluch

Marcia Puig-Lluch graduated from American University with a Bachelors in international/global studies. Marcia worked for Wider Opportunities for Women (WOW) during her summer as Karel Fellow. WOW works to build pathways to economic security and equality of opportunity for women, families, and elders. Marcia is now a Program Facilitator, ROOT & SHOOT RCN at the American Society of Plant Biologists!


Lauren Shiplett

Lauren Shiplett graduated from George Washington University with a Bachelor of Arts in communications and a minor in international affairs. Lauren was hosted by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, which conducts research and analysis to help shape public debates over proposed budget and tax policies, during her fellowship. She is now a communications associate director at Axios!


Aaron Zeiler

Aaron Zeiler graduated summa cum laude from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science in public relations and a minor in Spanish. Aaron was hosted by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, a leading force in the fight to reduce tobacco use in the United States and around the world, during his summer as Karel Fellow. He is now the Director of Partner Strategies at the Center for Public Interest Communications at the University of Florida!


2014 Fellows

Taylor Brandon graduated from DePaul University with a Bachelor of Arts in public relations and advertising. She spent her time as a Fellow at the Food Recovery Network, an organization that organizes college students to donate their surplus and unused food. At FRN, Taylor provided communications support for the launch of Food Recovery Certified. She is now heads up her own communications and production agency!


Eura Chang graduated from Macalester College with a double major in political science and educational studies and a minor in French & Francophone studies. Eura was hosted by DC Vote, an educational and advocacy organization dedicated to securing full voting representation in Congress for District residents, during her summer as a Karel Fellow. She is now pursuing a law degree from the University of Minnesota Law School and is a law clerk at Lockridge Grindal Nauen P.L.L.P.!


calvin_jackson

Calvin Jackson graduated from Georgetown University with a Bachelor of Arts in sociology. During his fellowship, Calvin was hosted by the Campaign for Youth Justice, a nonprofit dedicated to ending the practice of trying, sentencing and incarcerating youth under 18 in the adult criminal justice system. He is now an organizer at Consumer Reports!


yoo_jin_kang

Yoo-Jin Kang graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Maryland Baltimore County with her Bachelor of Arts in language and cultural studies and interdisciplinary studies. During her summer as a Karel Fellow, Yoo Jin worked with Trust for America’s Health, a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to saving lives by protecting the health of every community and working to make disease prevention a national priority. She is now a senior training specialist at Futures Without Violence and heads up her own trauma-informed consulting practice!


Sivan Sheriffe

Sivan Sherriffe graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in journalism and mass communication from George Washington University in May 2015. During her fellowship, Sivan worked with Greenpeace, the largest independent direct-action environmental organization in the world. She is now a communications associate for the Center for Law and Social Policy.


Karen_Vanegas

Karen Vanegas graduated from the University of Maryland with a double major in broadcast journalism and government and politics. During her fellowship, Karen was hosted by Mary’s Center, a nonprofit that provides medical, social, and education services to families in the greater Washington D.C. area. She is now an external communications senior associate at PwC!


Elizabeth_Tejeda

Elizabeth Tejeda graduated from the University of Florida in 2017. She was hosted by the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids during her summer as a Karel Fellow. The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids is a leading force in the fight to reduce tobacco use and its deadly toll in the United States and around the world. Elizabeth is now a senior manager, business strategy consultant at Salesforce!


2013 Fellows

Ava L.J. Kim, Ph.D. graduated from Macalester College in 2014 with a degree in Creative Writing. She was hosted by YWCA National Capital Area during her summer as a Karel Fellow. The YWCA National Capital Area strives to dismantle barriers that women and girls of color face to personal, educational, and professional success. Ava is a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign. In July of 2023, she will begin an appointment as Assistant Professor of Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies at the University of California, Davis!


Mina Radman, MPS graduated from UF in 2014 with a degree in journalism. She was hosted by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids when she was a Karel Fellow. The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids is a leading force in the fight to reduce tobacco use and its deadly toll in the United States and around the world. Mina is now a director of public affairs at SKDKnickerbocker!


Gaby Gomez received her A.A. in international/global studies from Montgomery College in 2013 and received her B.A. in political science and government from the University of Maryland College Park in 2015. She was hosted by the Latino Economic Development Center when she was a Karel Fellow. The Latino Economic Development Center works to drive the economic and social advancement of low-to-moderate-income Latinos and other underserved communities. Gaby is currently an account supervisor at GMMB!


Roland Walker graduated from the University of Florida. He was hosted by DC SCORES when he was a Karel Fellow. DC SCORES cultivates neighborhood teams that provide kids in need the confidence and skills they need to succeed.


Samir Zaim, Ph.D. graduated from Carleton College in 2014 with a degree in mathematics/statistics. He was hosted by Education Trust during his summer as a Karel Fellow. Education Trust advocates for the high academic achievement of all students, particularly those of color and/or living in poverty through policy and practice, advocacy, and legislative affairs. Samir is now a biostatistician at Allen Institute for Immunology!


Thaddaeus Gregory graduated from Carleton College in 2015 with a degree in sociology and anthropology. He was hosted by the Campaign for Youth Justice when he was a Karel Fellow. The Campaign for Youth Justice is a national initiative focused on ending the practice of prosecuting, sentencing, and incarcerating youth under age 18 in the adult criminal justice system. Thaddaeus is currently an attorney at Hillis Clark Martin & Peterson P.S.!


Vicky Rodriguez graduated from Franklin & Marshall College. She was hosted by Casa de Maryland when she was a Karel Fellow. Casa de Maryland organizes and advocates for expanding opportunities for Latino and immigrant individuals in Maryland. Vicky is currently a Cleveland Heights-University Heights Teacher!


2012 Fellows

Alison Preston graduated from DePaul University.


Brittany Jones graduated from DePaul University in 2013 with a degree in journalism. She was hosted by the Nonprofit Round Table of Greater Washington when she was a Karel Fellow. The Nonprofit Round Table aimed to provide nonprofits and nonprofit leaders direct support via peer-to-peer discussions, public policy forums to foster dialogue between nonprofit leaders, and media workshops. Brittany is currently a clinician at Two Chairs!


Deon Jones graduated from American University in 2014 with a degree in political science. He was hosted by he Campaign for Youth Justice when he was a Karel Fellow. The Campaign for Youth Justice is a national initiative focused on ending the practice of prosecuting, sentencing, and incarcerating youth under age 18 in the adult criminal justice system. Deon is currently a creative collaborator and producer at the Glenn Kaino Studio!


Michael Stanley's Email

Michael Stanley graduated from Duke University with a degree in public policy analysis. He interned at DC Votes when he was a Karel Fellow. Michael now heads up his own creative agency, GSD Creatives!


Nathalie Sun graduated from Carleton College with a degree in international relations in 2014. She was hosted by AERAS when she was a Karel Fellow. AERAS is a nonprofit biotech advancing the development of tuberculosis vaccinations. Nathalie is currently global product lead at Google!


Oluwaseun Roberts, Esq. graduated from the University of Florida in 2012 with a degree in public relations and minor in nonprofit leadership, with a concentration in business and public affairs. She was hosted by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids when she was a Karel Fellow. The Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids is a leading force in the fight to reduce tobacco use and its deadly toll in the United States and around the world. Roberta is currently a special assistant United States attorney in the Eastern District of Virginia and serves as a Christian life & leadership coach!


Yves Gomes earned his A.A. from Montgomery College in 2012 and went on to graduate from the University of Maryland College Park with a B.S. in biochemistry. He was hosted by the Nonprofit Round Table of Greater Washington when he was a Karel Fellow. The Nonprofit Round Table aimed to provide nonprofits and nonprofit leaders direct support via peer-to-peer discussions, public policy forums to foster dialogue between nonprofit leaders, and media workshops. He is currently a pharmacy manager at Safeway!