Christin Adams (Philadelphia, PA / University Of Pittsburgh ‘17)
Christin Adams, a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, completed her undergraduate degree at University Of Pittsburgh with a degree in Sociology and a minor in Political Science while also receiving a certificate in Global Studies. During her time in school, she was involved extensively with the Multicultural Association, serving as co-President for two years and as Secretary before that. Christin also has worked with the Nationalities Service Center in Philadelphia, PA as a Refugee Resettlement Intern. She also interned with the Moroccan Association for Human Rights in Rabat, Morocco and worked with KidsPark in Willow Grove where she supervised and worked with children. In her free time, Christin enjoys reading, film, digital photography and traveling. She was a part of the Northside cohort, and served at the World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh.
Amanda Alexandre (Long Beach, NY /Susquehanna University ‘17)
Amanda Alexandre, a native of Long Beach, NY, completed her undergraduate degree at Susquehanna University with a degree in Psychology and a minor in Spanish. During her time in school, she was a Global Ambassador Intern, supporting international students’ transition to a new culture and providing academic advice. She also raised donations to help build houses in Snyder County with Habitat for Humanity. In her free time, Amanda practices yoga and meditation. She also enjoys running, reading, crocheting, and traveling. She was a part of the East End cohort, and served at the Crossroads Foundation.
Bethany Arneson (Seattle, WA/Azusa Pacific University ’17)
Bethany Arneson is a graduate of Azusa Pacific University in Southern California with a Bachelor of Arts in Theater Arts. While attending APU, she had a chance to be involved with multiple devised pieces and contemporary commentary shows including a devised documentary & movement based piece that she and a team of peers took to the International Edinburgh Festival Fringe (the largest arts festival in the world) in Edinburgh, Scotland, a trip she also helped plan. She also had the chance to work as an administrative assistant in the department’s production office, as well produce other projects including a new play reading in LA, and the department-wide 24 Hour Play Festival (2 years in a row). Through her classes & community service opportunities, she has discovered a passion for social justice & community-based theater work. In her free time, she loves spending time with friends, seeing plays, thrift shopping, researching, critically analyzing pop culture, and offering unsolicited life advice. She was a part of the Northside cohort, and served with Urban Innovation 21: KIVA Pittsburgh.
Maryem Aslam (Monroeville, PA /Chatham University ’17)
Maryem Aslam grew up in Monroeville, PA, and attended Chatham University where she earned a degree in Biology, majoring in Psychology & Human Biology, while also earning a certificate in Women’s Leadership. At Chatham, she devoted much of her to working as an Ambassador for the International Studies Abroad office and US Peace Corps. Maryem also served extensively on the Muslim Student Association board and student government. In her free time, Maryem loves going on nature hikes, walking in the park, learning to cook, baking, board games, spontaneous trips, and learning new things. She was a part of the Northside cohort, and served at the Women and Girls Foundation.
Alex Auyeung (Chicago, IL /Carleton College ’16)
A graduate of Carleton College, Alex Auyeung majored in Cognitive Science concentrating in Educational Studies, and received a Certificate of Advanced Study in Arabic. Alex has devoted himself to Education. He’s taught English at Fenyang Senior Middle School and Jiudu Elementary School in Fenyang, China. He’s worked as a reading tutor with below grade level students in six Title I schools in New York City. Additionally, Alex has extensive teaching experience in Minnesota where he served as a teaching assistant with Carleton College’s Arabic Department and at Greenvale Park Elementary School. Fun fact- Alex speaks in five languages: Mandarin, Arabic, Spanish, Portuguese, and English! Alex’s hobbies include practicing Aikido. He was a part of the East End cohort, and served with 3E Now.
Maura Bell (Pittsburgh, PA / Indiana University ’14)
Maura Bell, a native of Pittsburgh, completed her undergraduate degree with honors at Indiana University with a degree in Ballet and a minor in French. During her time in school, she was involved with the Jacobs School of Music as a Ballet instructor. She was also a member of the Hoosier Catholic Student Organization, Hutton Honors College Association, and Honors Residential Council at Indiana University. In the time since graduating, Maura has been dancing professionally with the Saint Louis Ballet Company in Saint Louis, Missouri. In her free time, Maura enjoys cooking and sharing meals with friends, practicing yoga, and learning to sew. She was a part of the Northside cohort, and served at the New Hazlett Theater.
Alexa Bartel (Allentown, PA / University of Vermont ‘16)
Alexa Bartel grew up in Allentown, PA, and attended the University of Vermont where she earned a degree in Environmental Engineering with a minor in Pure Mathematics. Through UVM, she spent a semester studying abroad in Edinburgh, Scotland. While in college, she worked as an Engineering Camp Counselor, teaching coding basics and robotics. Alexa also devoted her time to volunteering with Village2Village, working with local engineers in Uganda to construct a filtered spring water well. Since graduating in 2016, she has worked as a Design Engineer with The Pidcock Company. In her free time, Alexa enjoys crafting, being in nature, and exploring new places. She was a part of the Northside cohort, and served at the Green Building Alliance.
Ashish Bibireddy (Edison, NJ / University of Pittsburgh ’17)
A graduate of University of Pittsburgh, Ashish Bibireddy majored in Neuroscience and Urban Studies while minoring in Chemistry. He was heavily involved in university research and teaching at Pitt. He worked with Dr. Michael Glass as an Urban Studies research assistant, with Dr. Julie Fiez as a Chancellors Research Fellow, and as a Human Physiology teaching assistant with Dr. Laurel Roberts. He also served extensively in Pitt committees on Body Wellness and Sexual Assault Technology. Additionally, Ashish worked as a Patient Evaluator with UPMC Canterbury Place and with the Pittsburgh Downtown Community Development Corporation. Ashish’s hobbies include sports of all sorts, traveling spending time with friends and family, photography, movies, camping, and trying new things. He was a part of the Northside cohort, and served at the American Heart Association.
Ally Carter (Riverside, IL/Calvin College ’16)
Ally Carter grew up in Riverside, IL, and attended Calvin College where she studied Education and Psychology with a minor in Youth Ministry Leadership. Ally was an active volunteer for The Special Olympics Illinois & Michigan throughout high school and college. Since graduating in 2016, Ally has been a member of the Young Life Staff at Indiana University in Indiana, PA.. She was a part of the Northside cohort, and served at First Presbyterian Church of Pittsburgh.
Ellen Conrad (Lakewood, CO / Goshen College ‘17)
Ellen Conrad grew up in Lakewood, Colorado and attended Goshen College, where she earned an Environmental Science degree with a concentration in Sustainability and a minor in Bible, Religion, and Philosophy. During her time at Goshen, she spent three months studying abroad in Sichuan, China and one month traveling in New Delhi, India. Ellen has devoted much of her time to music and theater by performing in Goshen Monologues and Women’s World Choir and served as a staff writer for Goshen College’s newspaper, The Record. In her free time, Ellen enjoys hiking, cooking, biking, and up-cycling. She was a part of the East End cohort, and served at the Environmental Charter School.
Seth Culp-Ressler (Lancaster, PA / Duquesne University ‘17)
Seth Culp-Ressler, a native of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, completed his undergraduate degree at Duquesne University with a degree in Multiplatform Journalism and a minor in Philosophy. During his time in college, he was very active in Duquesne’s student-run newspaper, The Duke, serving in multiple roles. He was also Editor in Chief of Duquesne’s Off the Bluff magazine, and was a part of the St. Ambrose Choir. He hopes to further his storytelling skills, and get a more well-rounded perspective of Pittsburgh. Seth is a car aficionado, plays guitar, and enjoys photography. He was a part of the Northside cohort, and served with the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust.
Siddhartha Dash (Lincolnshire, IL / University of Pittsburgh ’17)
A graduate of University of Pittsburgh’s Dietrich School of Arts & Sciences, Siddhartha Dash majored in Biology and minored in Chemistry while earning a certificate in Nonprofit Management. He was heavily involved in the Pitt community through his work with the Blue & Gold Society, Delta Chi Fraternity, and Project Paw Print. On top of his school involvement, Siddhartha also founded International Genetic Engineered Machine. In doing so, he conducted bacterial research, raised more than $37,000, presented his research on P. Acnes at Boston University and was awarded a Silver Medal for his work on E. Coli research. Siddhartha likes playing soccer with friends. He was a part of the East End cohort, and served at Partner4Work.
Ben Emswiler (Broadway, VA / Eastern Mennonite University ’17)
Ben Emswiler grew up in Broadway, Virginia, and attended Eastern Mennonite University where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Religious and Intercultural Studies with a minor in Psychology. Ben has experience working with Congolese and Syrian refugees, spent his summer in Machakos, Kenya on a service trip, and has worked as a representative for Faith in Action, a Basketball coach for Broadway High School, and as a counselor with Citikidz Camp. He also enjoys playing any and all sports, fishing and kayaking, listening to music and going to concerts, reading, and watching good films. He was a part of the Northside cohort, and served with Neighborhood Allies.
Kaylee Ferguson (Mechanicsville, VA / Eastern Mennonite University ’17)
A graduate of Eastern Mennonite University, Kaylee Ferguson majored Biology and Pre-Professional Health. She was heavily involved in university research at EMU. She worked with the EMU Science Department as a research assistant, collaborating with faculty of the Biomedicine Department, to measure gene expression and regulation in response to different salt and sugar diets. She also served as an undergraduate learning Assistant and National Science Foundation Tutor with EMUs Science Department. Additionally, Kaylee worked as a Community Advisor and House Coordinator with EMU Residence Life. Kaylee’s hobbies include hiking, playing soccer and volleyball, and kayaking. She was a part of the Northside cohort, and served at Global Links.
Shayna Gleason (Edison, NJ / Carleton College ’17)
Shayna Gleason, a native of Edison, New Jersey, completed her undergraduate degree at Carleton College with a degree in Sociology/Anthropology and a certificate in Spanish. During her time in school, she was involved with the Carleton College Experimental Theater Board, where she acted and directed several student-run productions. She worked with Carleton Colleges Sociology-Anthropology Department as a teaching assistant, student departmental advisor, and research assistant. Additionally, Shayna interned with Congressman Frank Pallone Jr during the summer of 2015. In her free time, Shayna enjoys playing the piano, hiking, playing ultimate Frisbee and tennis, and creative writing. She was a part of the East End cohort, and served at Southwestern Partnership for Aging.
Hannah Green (Pittsburgh, PA / Allegheny College ’17)
Hannah Green grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and attended Allegheny College where she earned a degree in Communication Arts, with a minor in German Studies, while maintaining her Dean’s List status. Hannah has worked with the Gifted and Talented Program in Meadville, PA. She also tutored elementary school children with Meadville’s America Reads Program. Hannah served as the Public Relations Chair for Allegheny College’s chapter of UNICEF. In her free time, Hannah loves experiencing the latest music, television and films. She also enjoys traveling and learning about different cultures. She was a part of the East End cohort, and served at Oakland Planning and Development Corporation.
Erin Guthrie (Deerfield, IL / Trinity International University ’17)
A graduate of Trinity International University, Erin Guthrie majored in Graphic Design focusing on Communication. She was heavily involved in the Trinity community, serving as a student leader on Trinity’s Global Partnerships Cabinet. Where she was the Media Director responsible for external relations through informational outreach and co-led a student trip to India. She also worked as an undergraduate Editor of the Trinitarian yearbook and as a Communications and Design Intern for CAUSEGEAR. Erin’s hobbies include watching movies, drawing, watercoloring, and hand-lettering gifts for friends. She was a part of the East End cohort, and served at DePaul School for Hearing and Speech.
Kaleigh Herron (Croton-on-Hudson, NY /Juniata College ’17)
Kaleigh Herron grew up in Croton-on-Hudson, New York and attended Juniata College where she earned a B.S. in Environmental Economics and a minor in Spanish. At Juniata, she devoted much of her time to campus service working as a Peer Tutor for calculus and Wildlife Management students. She worked as an Intern with the New York City Department of Environmental Protection where she conducted a ten-year resampling project to track changes in wetland plants in the West of Hudson watershed. She also volunteered extensively with Juniata’s Student Alumni Association. In her free time, Kaleigh enjoys music and dance. She was a part of the East End cohort, and served at Habitat for Humanity of Greater Pittsburgh.
David Hogan (Bethesda, MD /Middlebury College ’17)
David Hogan grew up Bethesda, Maryland, and attended Middlebury College where he earned a degree in History, with minors in Political Science and French. David has devoted much of his time to school and recreational athletics. He was a member of the Middlebury College NESCAC Varsity Swim and Dive team as well as head coach of Little Falls Swim Team in Bethesda, Maryland. David has served as trip leader for MiddView Outdoor Orientation and Habitat for Humanity in addition to working as a research assistant for the U.S. Army Center of Military History. In his free time, In his free time, David enjoys watching and playing sports, hiking, and reading. He was a part of the East End cohort, and served with the Bloomfield Development Corporation.
KeAndra Hollis (Detroit, MI / Spelman College ’17)
A graduate of Spelman College, KeAndra Hollis majored in Economics concentrating in Government and Business. KeAndra has extensive experience and has been heavily involved in community service, serving as a Policy Intern to Councilwoman Mary Sheffield of Detroit, working with the Congressional Black Congress through her service as Congressional Intern to Dean of Congress, Congressman John Conyers Jr., and her years of work with the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. KeAndra also served as a mentor with Gifted Girls of Grace where she mentored middle and high school girls through academics and self-esteem. KeAndra’s hobbies include writing, reading, watching films and documentaries, running and dancing, and exploring new places. She was a part of the East End cohort, and served at Homewood Children’s Village.
Ryan Johnson-Evers (Muskego, WI/ Bluffton University ’16)
Ryan Johnson-Evers, a native of Muskego, Wisconsin, completed his undergraduate studies at Bluffton University with a B.A. in Biology and with THREE minors in Spanish, Public Health, and Mathematics all while maintaining honors his status. At Bluffton, Ryan worked in the Technology center as an assistant for a year and supervisor for two further years. Following graduation, Ryan traveled to San Pedro Sula, Honduras where we was a community facilitator for the Mennonite Central Community. He has also worked as a camp counselor for the Laurelville in Mt. Pleasant, PA. In his free time, Ryan playing soccer, Frisbee, and almost any sport, going hiking, playing saxophone and bass guitar, playing board and card games with friends, and reading and listening to music. He was a part of the Northside cohort, and served at AJAPO.
Jaclyn Kuyers (Pella, IA /Calvin College ’17)
Jaclyn Kuyers grew up in Pella, IA, and attended Calvin College where she earned a degree in Fine Arts, minoring in Dance. While at Calvin, Jaclyn balanced her studies with school service. She worked extensively on campus as a Campus Tour Guide, in addition to serving with the Student Senate and interning with the Student Life Office. Jaclyn also was involved with the Student Philanthropy Council, the Campus Involvement and Leadership Office, and the Visual Arts and Dance Guilds. In her free time, Jaclyn enjoys choreography, dancing, and pursuing artistic endeavors. She was a part of the East End cohort, and served at the Environmental Charter School.
Cecilia Lapp Stoltzfus (Mount Rainier, MD /Goshen College ’17)
Cecilia Lapp Stoltzfus, raised in Mount Rainier, MD, completed her undergraduate studies at Goshen College with a degree in Environmental Science/Sustainability and a minor in Music. At Goshen, Cecilia was involved in environmental advocacy through her service on the Ecological Stewardship Committee and as a leader of the EcoPAX Environmental Justice Club and the GCDivest campaign where she co-wrote a literature review entitled “Socially Responsible Investing and Mennonite Education Agency”. Near her DC-area home, she has spent recent summers as a swim coach and wetland restoration intern along the Anacostia and Patuxent rivers. In her free time, Cecilia enjoys playing rugby, swimming, and singing in choirs. She was a part of the Northside cohort, and served at The Door Campaign.
Heather Marra (Oak Ridge, NJ /Juniata College ’17)
Heather Marra hales from Oak Ridge, NJ, and attended Juniata College where she earned a degree in Multicultural Social Issues. While at Juniata College, Heather studied and interned abroad in Kanifing, The Gambia conducting data entry and analysis and helping document women’s training sessions for GAMCOTRAP. At Juniata, she devoted much of her time to the Juniata College Admission Office where she served as an assistant admissions counselor interviewing and counseling prospective students on admissions processes financial planning and scholarship opportunities. In her free time, Heather enjoys hiking, cooking, making things from scratch, reading, and running. She was a part of the East End cohort, and served at POWER.
Thomas McIntyre (Albany, NY/University of Pittsburgh ‘17 )
Thomas McIntyre hails from New York, and completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Pittsburgh, receiving degrees in both Linguistics and Political Science. At Pitt, Thomas was a member of the Songburghs acapella group and Sigma Alpha Mu Fraternity. During his time in school, he was heavily involved in the Pitt Dance Marathon which raises funds and awareness for the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. He also spent two years working with PittServes. Thomas is passionate about food justice, connecting with community members, and hopes to pursue a legal career. He also enjoys participating in musicals and singing has been a lifelong hobby. He was a part of the East End cohort, and served at Planned Parenthood Western PA.
Katharine Phillips (Lower Gwynedd, PA / Bryn Mawr College ’17)
A graduate of Bryn Mawr College, Katharine Phillips received a Bachelor of Arts in English with a Creative Writing concentration and an Anthropology minor. While at Bryn Mawr, she worked in the library, worked for a congressional campaign, and volunteered with the ACLU of Pennsylvania, Phildelphia chapter. Additionally, Katharine studied abroad in Ireland and China during her undergraduate studies. She is interested in politics and social justice and enjoys horseback riding and traveling. She was a part of the Northside cohort, and served at PUMP.
Koehler Powell (Pittsburgh, PA /Carleton College ’17)
Koehler Powell has a long history with Pittsburgh having grown up here. Koehler left Pittsburgh to study at Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota where she received her degree in Biology. While at Carleton, Koehler was able to study evolutionary ecology in Australia and New Zealand, perform molecular biology research at the University of Pittsburgh’s Medical School, and interview and counsel prospective students as one of Carleton’s Admissions Fellows. Prior to joining PULSE, she worked as the HOPE Center Program Director with Carleton College’s Center for Community and Civic Engagement Office and was involved on her campus with many other forms of sexual violence advocacy. In her free time, Koehler enjoys film photography, cooking, and rock-climbing. She served at Three Rivers Mothers’ Milk Bank.
Dan Shaffer (Lancaster, PA / Juniata College ‘17)
Dan Shaffer grew up in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and attended the Juniata College where he degrees in International Studies and German. Through Juniata, he studied abroad in Marburg, Germany where he studied Political Science. While at Juniata, Dan devoted much of his time to campus programming by serving as a Senior Resident Assistant, a Study Abroad Peer Advisor, Policy Chair for Juniata’s student government, and as the Content Coordinator for Juniata’s school newspaper, The New Juniatian. Dan is an Eagle Scout and recipient of the Eagles Abroad fellowship at Juniata College. In his free time, Dan likes learning and speaking foreign languages, playing computer games, writing/editing, listening to/creating music, hanging out with friends, and hiking. He was a part of the Northside cohort, and served with the Hill Community Development Corporation.
Noble Smith (Pittsburgh, PA / University of Pittsburgh ’17)
A graduate of University of Pittsburgh, Noble Smith received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science while minoring in Sociology and receiving certificates in German and Portuguese. At Pitt, he served as Vice President of the Genocide Relief and Awareness Club, was a founding member of the Alpha Tau Omega Panhellenic Fraternity, and worked as a mailroom clerk. Additionally, Noble volunteered with Pitt Keep It Real, where he worked with Somali immigrants as a math and reading tutor, and with the Durham Food Pantry. Noble is proficient in Spanish, Portuguese, English and German! In his free time, he is passionate about rugby, political awareness, and community outreach. He was a part of the East End cohort, and served with East Liberty Development, Inc..
Courtlen Vizzuso (Alliance, OH /Ohio University ’17)
Courtlen Vizzuso grew up in Alliance, OH and attended Ohio University where he earned a B.A in Political Science Pre-Law, while also earning a Law Justice & Culture Certificate. At OU, he devoted much of his time to campus service. He served as a College Representative Orientation Leader with the Undergraduate Orientation Programs. He also a Learning Community Leader with Learning Community Programs where he mentored first-year political science students, assisted Learning Community class instructor with lesson plans, lead discussions, and programmed diversified events. In his free time, Courtlen enjoys singing, playing soccer, meeting new people, and trying new foods. He was a part of the Northside cohort, and served at United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania.
Emily Vogt (Ephrata, PA / Goshen College ‘17)
Emily Vogt originally comes from Ephrata, PA and attended Goshen College for her studies. She graduated with a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in TESOL Education. While at Goshen, Emily was heavily involved in music and service. She traveled to Nicaragua for a service term to tutor adults and students in English. She also worked as an English language tutor in the Goshen area. In her free time, Emily enjoys making music, playing the French horn, reading, watching movies, and being active and outside. She was a part of the East End cohort, and served with The Friendship Circle.
Hannah Wesselman (Spokane Valley, WA / Saint Martin’s University ’17)
Hannah Wesselman comes to Pittsburgh by way of Spokane Valley, WA. Hannah received her degree in Biology from Saint Martin’s University. Prior to joining PULSE, she worked as a Research Assistant for Dr. Samuel Fox via the Murdock Research Grant investigating genetics and molecular biology. Additionally, she worked as an intern for the Athletic Training Office and as a resource coordinator for Disability Support Services at Saint Martin’s. Additionally, Hannah was a Section Leader for Spokane Indians Baseball. In her free time, Hannah enjoys playing softball, volleyball, basketball, traveling, and crafts. She was a part of the East End cohort, and served at the University of Pittsburgh Center for Research on Healthcare.